Delta North stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have rejected the declaration of former Delta State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, as the winner of the senatorial primary election on Monday.
The stakeholders who spoke through Egnr. Emma Eboh, said in a statement that Okowa‘s declaration breached the guidelines issued by the APC National Organising Secretary, on the conduct of the primaries.
According to the statement, the APC had, before the primaries, outlined a process for result collation and announcement, through the Ward, Local Government Area, and designated constituency, before the final submission to the national headquarters.
They argued that the results collated from the wards and local government areas in Delta North, showed that Senator Ned Nwoko won the primaries by a wide margin.
“The authority to declare results rests solely with the National Committee. What Okowa has done is a clear violation of party rules and an attempt to manipulate perception ahead of due process,” the statement added.
The stakeholders alleged that the primaries were marred by intimidation and violence in areas where support for Nwoko was most pronounced, disclosing that in Ward 3, Anishi Primary School the violence escalated to the point that the returning officer fled the venue for safety.
A party member, Igelige Chukunomnazu, alleged that voters were coerced, and supporters of Nwoko were attacked, in Ward 9, Obiaruku, Ukwuani Local Government, adding that counting processes were manipulated.
He said he was among those who sustained injuries and were taken to the hospital.
Similarly, in Ward 8, Aniocha North LGA, an individual identified as simply Ernest, was reportedly stabbed during the exercise, with video and photographic evidence available.
“The integrity of the party is at stake. This is not just about a primary election – it is about whether internal democracy will be upheld or sacrificed to manipulation,” the statement said.
They urged the APC National Working Committee (NWC) to disregard what they termed “manufactured narratives” and ensure that the final declaration reflects the true outcome as expressed across the wards.
“For us in Delta North, the result is already evident. What remains is for the party to uphold its own rules and formally affirm the will of the people,” the statement added.
